“This is a momentous occasion in Queensland and the first time the Queensland Government has offered full PhD scholarships,” Ms Enoch said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are under-represented in the research sector and these scholarships will support eligible graduates to obtain a research PhD degree and build our future capability.

“The Advance Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD Scholarships aim to help develop a stronger pathway for promising indigenous researchers in Queensland and address under-representation in the sector.

“The PhD Scholarship program will provide up to $120,000 over three years for scholars to undertake an applied PhD research project in collaboration with an industry or end-user organisation which can translate and apply the research in practical terms.

“Additionally, we will also be offering $240,000 over three years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Fellowships for post-PhD research.

“The fellowships are designed to foster closer collaboration with industry to deliver tangible social, economic, environmental and regional benefits for Queensland in the next five years.”

The PhD Scholarships and Research Fellowships are key programs under the Palaszczuk Government’s $180 million Advance Queensland initiative to create jobs now and jobs for the future by growing Queensland’s knowledge economy.

Queensland has a globally recognised pool of talented researchers and the initiative is designed to grow and retain this talent base to keep the bright ideas, innovators and entrepreneurs in Queensland to benefit of the state’s economy

Both programs will support innovative research that addresses Queensland’s science and research priorities, such as growing knowledge-intensive services, protecting biodiversity, developing cleaner, renewable energy technologies, or improved health services.